I am amazed at the simplicity of the phrase, “Take Action.” In these two words we find a leadership principle that needs little explanation. That said, it is equally amazing how often we find ourselves tempted to drift toward “hesitation” in leadership.
But hesitation is not our friend. Not now. Not ever.
It is generally the case that one of the greatest risks in leadership is to “do nothing.” That is, unless doing nothing is a deliberate action step. Because timing is an important aspect of action taken.
If we find ourselves hesitating, here are some action steps that can get us off the dime:
- Write a one sentence summary of the challenge or problem we are facing.
- Develop three alternate action-options
- For each option, list the pros and also the worst-case downside
- Ask yourself, for each option, can I live with the down-side; set aside the one(s) for which the answer is “no.”
- Select the best choice of the remaining options.
- Act on it without delay – unless, and only unless, delay IS the action step.
It is rare that taking action will be a mistake. Especially for those who truly lead.